Migrant Sex Offender Released by Error, Led Police on Manhunt Across London

Strategic Insights -

A disturbing incident involving a wrongly released migrant sex offender has led to a police manhunt across London. Hadush Kebatu, 38, was supposed to be deported but was released from HMP Chelmsford by mistake. After being directed to catch a train to London, Kebatu was seen by a delivery driver, Sim, who described him as "stressed" and "scratching his head" as he waited outside the prison reception for around an hour and a half. The police have been searching for Kebatu, who has access to funds and has made several train journeys across London.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hadush Kebatu, a 38-year-old migrant, was released from HMP Chelmsford by error due to being wrongly categorized as a prisoner due to be released on licence.
  • Kebatu was jailed for 12 months last month for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and another woman, and was due to be deported.
  • A delivery driver, Sim, spoke to Kebatu outside the prison reception and described him as "stressed" and "scratching his head" as he waited for around an hour and a half for direction on where to go.
  • Kebatu made several train journeys across London, and police have been searching for him since his release.
  • Commander James Conway, leading the manhunt, has appealed to Kebatu to give himself up, offering a safe and controlled way to locate him.
  • The Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation into the incident, with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stating he was "livid on behalf of the public".

Statistics:

  • 38 years old: the age of Hadush Kebatu, the wrongly released migrant sex offender.
  • 12 months: the jail term Kebatu received in the past month for sexual assault charges.
  • 4-5: the number of times Kebatu returned to the prison reception, seeking direction on where to go.
  • 1.10pm: the time Kebatu got off the train at Stratford railway station in London.
  • £76: the amount of discharge grant Kebatu was given upon release.

Sources:

  • "a migrant sex offender who was mistakenly released from prison was seen by a delivery driver...": The Telegraph
  • "Hadush Kebatu was jailed for 12 months last month for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and another woman.": The Telegraph
  • "The police manhunt began for Kebatu after he was wrongly categorised as a prisoner due to be released on licence and handed a £76 discharge grant, The Telegraph reported.": The Telegraph
  • "Videos circulated online appeared to show a man resembling Kebatu in Chelmsford town centre shortly after his release, wearing a grey tracksuit and carrying a plastic bag.": The Telegraph
  • "In an update yesterday, police said Kebatu had access to funds and had made several train journeys across London": The Telegraph
  • "Commander James Conway, who is leading the manhunt, urged Kebatu to give himself up": The Telegraph
  • "The Independent contacted the Ministry of Justice which referred a request for a statement to deputy prime minister David Lammy, who earlier said he was 'livid on behalf of the public'.": The Independent